Magyar Református Egyház

Archive for the ‘Reformed Theology’ Category

Professor Buzogany Dezso’s work on Melancthon and the doctrine of Holy Communion is a new and invaluable reference work for those English readers wishing to explore the connection between the formation of the Hungarian Reformed church through the lens of the Communion Controversies on the Continent at large during the time of the Reformation.

It is available from Full Bible Publications in print or electronic format.

While American readers may find the contention that Melancthon is considered the father of a “Reformed” (as opposed to “Lutheran”) church, Professor Buzogany begins the work in this way:

Church historians conclude that the decisive moment during the 16th century formation process of the Hungarian Reformed Church in Transylvania was that, when Melanchthon’s influence over the
Transylvanian Hungarian reformers increased. It has also been said that our accepting of the Swiss doctrines had been a result of his encouragement.

Accordingly, the key factor in our becoming reformed is Melanchthon, or, more precisely, his very own way of approaching the presence of
Christ in the Holy Communion.

But to what degree is this statement true? Though Melancthon’s influence on the Hungarian Reformed church remains undisputed, it requires the balance of this intriguing work to help English readers understand not only Melancthon, but also his impact on the development of the Hungarian Reformed Church

Many churches are in the process of choosing elders for service in the coming year(s). This sermon was preached at First Presbyterian Church Lawrenceburg TN on the topic of the ministry of elders in the congregation according to the Reformed Tradition. While commenting specifically on the development of the office as described in the Scots tradition, there is significant overlap with the Reformed doctrine of the Ruling Elder that emerged throughout the Reformation churches of Europe as documented in such works as Samuel Miller’sThe Warrant, Nature, and Duties of the Ruling Elder

You may download the file here: The Reformed Elder

The following is a Communion Preparation sermon preached October 26, 2008 at First Presbyterian Church Lawrenceburg TN by Rev. Chuck Huckaby, a minister in the Calvin Synod.

It is an application of the text from our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5: 33 – 37. A previous sermon examined the text in more depth and this sermon continues it’s application to the people of God as they approach the Table of the Lord the coming Lord’s Day.

The Hungarian Communion service, of course, wonderfully rehearses these vows in asking participants to state together what we as Reformed Christians “Believe and Confess” and likewise “Promise and Resolve”.

May the Lord assist us, as we come to His Table, to truly “believe and confess” and “promise and resolve” those thing that bring glory to our Savior Jesus Christ and as – by grace – we “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3).

This is an MP3 file appoximately 30 minutes in length for scripture reading, sermon and prayer.

Renewing Your Vows

The 2008 Church Visitor Westside Hungarian Reformed Church Cleveland OH is now online.

Kedves Barátaim,
Csatolva küldöm legutóbbi Egyházi Látogatónk elektronikus változatát. Kellemes ?szutót mindnyájatoknak!
Üdvözlettel

Zoltán S. Kelemen
1463 Waterbury Road
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
Cellular: 216. 403-1031

CALVIN-YEAR LITERARY COMPETITION! The year 2009 has been declared Calvin-Year. To commemorate John Calvin’s 500th Anniversary, and in the tradition of previous such events in history, the Calvin Synod Conference of the United Church of Christ announces a Call for Entries for essays or poems from lay- people as well as sermons or academic studies from Pastors on the following topics: “What Does it Mean to Me to Be a Calvinist?” or “The Importance of Calvin in My Life” (titles are flexible – this is the general idea).

RULES & PRIZES: Members of any local church of the Calvin Synod may submit entries. Categories and prizes: Pastors and adult lay-persons (either English or Hungarian) – 1st Prize $500, 2nd Prize $300, 3rd Prize $200. Youth category for age under 16 (either English or Hungarian) – 1st Prize $100, 2nd Prize $75. Young adult category age between 16+ and under 18 (either English or Hungarian) – 1st Prize $100, 2nd Prize $75. Please note: Age cutoff is at or before the entry deadline of January 31, 2009. Entries must be typed, preferably in digital format, 10 pt font, double-spaced; not less than one page, and not more than four pages.

SUBMIT: entries by MAIL to – Office of the Bishop, c/o Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Bishop 7319 Tapper Ave., Hammond, IN 46324. OR submit entries via E-MAIL – kkludwig@aol.com

DEADLINE: Mailed entries must be postmarked by January 31, 2009. E-mailed entries (preferred method) also must be sent by end of day January 31, 2009. The Judges’ decisions will be final. Winners and placements to be announced during Calvin Synod’s Annual Meeting in May 2009.

Are you wondering…about John Calvin and what it means to be a Calvinist nowadays? Are you wondering why John Calvin is (or should be) important in your life in the 21st Century? Then ask your Pastor – he or she is ready and waiting to help you answer these very important and pertinent study questions. Don’t miss this very important opportunity to learn more about and to also share your Reformed Faith – begin work on your submittal to the Literary Competition today!

Submitted by Lehel Deak, Synod Presbyter

Dr. Joel Beeke is the author of Heirs with Christ: The Puritans on Adoption

In these videos he discusses the doctrine and the book

Heirs with Christ Part 1

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot2nPifyCe0[/youtube]

Heirs with Christ Part 2

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNdrpY0yU_c[/youtube]

Young, Restless, Reformed Calvinism is making a comeback—and shaking up the church.

This interesting article shows that there is a profound move among young people who are embracing the Reformed faith when it is presented as a life giving message of God’s grace. The emptiness of evangelicalism is causing young Christians to seek substance and a Biblical message of God’s greatness that goes beyond simplistic, self-serving and legalistic messages.

Many people coming to Reformed Churches are amazed to hear expository sermons that are actually about the Bible verse read instead of about man-centered “testimonies”. They are thankful for the historic liturgy focus on God instead of entertainment.

One shortcoming of the article is that it speaks as if Baptists were the only Reformed people!

Perhaps that’s simply because the Baptists realize the treasure we have been so busy keeping to ourselves!

One peculiar strength of our Heidelberg Catechism is its profound exposition of the salvation by Grace and the Christian’s ability to rely completely on the sovereignty of God in keeping His people through His Fatherly care. This affirmation of God’s sovereignty, though, expresses such confidence in the Almighty God of history revealed in Holy Scripture with evangelical fervor and a unique warmth of devotion. The catechism epitomizes what these young people seek – truth aflame. The same type of practical exposition of Truth is found in the Second Helvetic Confession where, we are reminded, Jesus Christ is Himself the looking glass wherein we can gaze upon the truths of election and predestination without falling into the dark pit of despairing fatalism and self-centered moral lawlessness.

From this author’s personal experience many Baptist converts to “Calvinism” unfortunately fall into the twin traps described above because they have no confessional basis to guide them as they contemplate the Scripture. They too readily embrace extreme notions never entertained (or rejected) by our Fathers in the Reformed faith and become sidetracked from a living, Christ centered faith.

Also, the Reformation doctrine of Worship is often missed in these settings. For the Reformers, “Worship” is first and foremost God’s ministering to us through Word and Sacrament and then, secondarily our presentation of ourselves as living sacrifices in light of Christ’s sacrifice (see Answer 32, Heidelberg Catechism). One large Baptist church that considers itself “Calvinistic” advertises itself as “charismatic in worship”. While that might attract many in our day, too often this falls short of the concept of worship described above. In some such churches the Lord’s Supper is never even observed with regularity and the sacrament’s purpose is never discovered!

So for this renewed interest in Reformed theology we are grateful to God and mindful of our failure to represent our Reformed Christian faith for what it is – truth aflame. And we are likewise made cognizant again of our duty to share the treasure of the Reformed Christian faith God has entrusted to us just in time to serve a hungry generation.

Related Link: Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists

A page devoted to the Hungarian Reformed Liturgy has been added. The Hungarian Reformed communion service is especially noteworthy and will, Lord willing, be added at a later date.

The Hungarian Reformed Liturgy page.

The 500th Anniversary of John Calvin’s Birth takes place in July 2009.

This is the first of many special event announcements related to this anniversary which is so important to the Reformed Churches worldwide and the Hungarian Reformed Church.

For more information visit here and here.

To quote the first site:

Esteemed leaders, scholars, and ministers will serve as your guides to learning about this influential man, his vibrant city, and the cultural, religious, political, and economic impact flowing from a movement.

Speakers include: Joel Beeke, Henri Blocher, Sinclair Ferguson, and many other noted reformed scholars.